Morocco reopens bordes as far June 15, 2021

Morocco reopens bordes as far June 15, 2021

by Alessandro Furlotti Covid-19 Marocco

The Government of Morocco has announced the reopening of the borders after the closure due to Covid even if since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the health situation in Morocco has always been stable and at low levels of criticality.

From 15 June 2021, international flights to Morocco will be able to resume and travelers will be able, under certain conditions, to have access to Moroccan territory if they have a vaccination certificate and / or a negative PCR test at least 48 hours before the date of entry into the Moroccan territory.

According to the recommendations of the Moroccan Ministry of Health, a classification of countries into two lists (A and B) has been adopted which takes into account the epidemiological situation of each country.

List A includes all the countries that can access Morocco and to which it is possible to travel and Italy is included among these.

What are the sanitary measures to be respected?

As part of the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, Morocco ensures the application of the health measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the safety and health of all.

For your safety and that of others during your stay in Morocco, you must:

  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap or a hydro-alcoholic solution.
  • Cough or sneeze on your elbow or into a disposable tissue and throw it in a garbage can.
  • Maintain a distance of 1.5 m with your interlocutor.
  • Avoid hand gestures, hugs and kisses and be sure to wear the mask.
  • Take all precautions when you leave.

For more information and updates:
Tourist Board of Morocco 

https://www.visitmorocco.com/it/preparare-il-viaggio/covid-19-viaggiare-sicuri-in-marocco

https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/statement-flights-and-morocco-resume-june-15

(For more information on the health situation of Covid-19 in Morocco, click on the following link: http://www.covidmaroc.ma/).

It is official, the 24th UNWTO General Assembly will be held in Morocco in 2021

It is official, the 24th UNWTO General Assembly will be held in Morocco in 2021

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco UNWTO

In anticipation of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization – the Madrid-based United Nations agency that deals with the coordination of tourism policies – to be held in October on the theme “Education and Youth, Rural Development and Digital Innovation” , a UNWTO Delegation led by the Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili was received in Morocco to prepare the program, calendar and location.

During these “three days” of visits, the Minister of Tourism, Nadia Fettah Aloui and her staff guaranteed the success of this important organization, the first at an international level in the post-pandemic period.

Together with the Prime Minister, Saadeddine Othmani, the Foreign Minister and the Governor of Marrakech – Safi Region welcomed the UNWTO Secretary General.

At the end, Mr. Pololikashvili thanked for the excellent success of this first visit and declared that “Tourism is adapting to the new reality and we face the future with optimism and with the support of our members“.

Read more: https://www.unwto.org/news/official-visit-to-morocco-initiates-preparations-for-unwto-general-assembly

TRANSATOUR MAROC – elected “Best Morocco Agency for 2019”

TRANSATOUR MAROC – elected “Best Morocco Agency for 2019”

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco

We are very proud and honored to announce that TRANSATOUR MAROC which has been elected “Best Morocco Agency for 2019” by the World Travel Award ™ https://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-moroccos-leading-travel-agency-2019.

World Travel Awards ™ was established in 1993 to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards ™ brand is recognized globally as the hallmark of industry excellence.

Voting for 2020 is therefore open
To vote: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Ad maiora!

Do you know that Morocco was the set of numerous Kolossal?

Do you know that Morocco was the set of numerous Kolossal?

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco Marrakech

The love between Morocco and cinema was born with the birth of the cinema: it is said that as far back as 1896 Louis and Auguste Lumière have traveled to Morocco several times to resume moments of everyday life.

It is therefore no coincidence that a very strong union has developed between film producers, attracted by new “Studios” and by the multiple opportunities they offer, and the territory itself, particularly evocative for settings that often go beyond the context of the landscape itself.

The numerous films shot make Morocco very familiar to the whole world, instilling a very welcome, enveloping and exotic image in travelers who dream of reliving the adventures dreamed and admired in films with possible travel, full of strong emotions.

At the “Studios” of Ouarzazate, still active and with scenic settings still in existence, you can still relive numerous sets of successful films: Kundun, The Gladiator, Othello, The Mummy – The Return, The Jewel of the Nile, Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra: despite their location was elsewhere, they were almost entirely shot here.

There are also films set in Morocco that often take on a connotation just like a “travel experience” in these lands, with an “on the road” component or the search for an “elsewhere”. Just think of Marrakech Express, The Sheltering Sky, A Train to Marrakech.

Then there are other very evocative films that have contributed to increase a mystical and exotic dimension to the destination, but which however have not been entirely shot in Morocco. Starting from the famous Casablanca, passing through The Wind and the Lion, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Adventure to Morocco …

Interesting and valuable, although less known by the general public, the national production, with most of its producers and directors who emigrated to France.

Many cities (and also – more or less-  well-known tourist places) can boast of having hosted scenes from many international films, including recently produced ones. For example: at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, in addition to some of the aforementioned films,: Jesus of Nazareth, 007: Danger zone, Lawrence of Arabia, Alexander; in Meknes: the Jewel of the Nile; in Tangier: The Bourne Ultimatum; in Essaouira: Othello, Last Minute Morocco, in Rabat: Black Hawk Down, El Khoubz el Hafi; in Erfoud: I Giardini dell’Eden, in Marrakech: Alexander, La casa sulle nuvole, Marrakech Express, Last minute Morocco …

Cine-tourism is a new frontier to discover Morocco, especially if it will be able to get in touch with local culture with a logic of respect and sustainability. However, tourists will not be surprised why producers has chosen Morocco with its splendid natural panoramas as the scenic setting of their films.

The best things to see and do in Marrakech, from specialized souks to colourful gardens

The best things to see and do in Marrakech, from specialized souks to colourful gardens

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco Marrakech

You cannot say that you know the reality of Marrakech until you are lost in its souks, or have a mint tea while contracting the purchase of an ancient Berber carpet. But even moving away from the souks and shopping you will find some of the most fascinating historical sites such as the long hidden tombs of the Saadian sultans, the wonderful Jardin Majorelle of Yves St Laurent and the architectural jewel of the Ben Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Take a walk in the unique atmosphere of the main city square

One of the most fascinating spectacles on earth is Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO world heritage site, characterized daily by a convulsive rhythm. The name of the square means “assembly of the dead” – since it was originally a place of public execution, but today Djemaa el Fna, attracts the crowd of visitors and natives, for pastimes such as storytelling, astrology, spells with snakes and the extraordinary stunts of the Gnaoua troops.

Insider tip: even if the juice sellers and the henna artists are already in the square in the middle of the morning, the real show begins at sunset, when the chefs light their grills creating one of the largest and most famous barbecues in the world. In this case, don’t be shy, sit down.

Find inspiration in the most elegant museum in Marrakech

The beautifully maintained Musée Yves St. Laurent is the first serious contemporary museum in Marrakech. It celebrates the work of the Algerian couturier Yves St Laurent, whose revolutionary collections have drawn inspiration for over 40 years, from the red city of Marrakech. Designed by Studio KO, the building is made of ocher-colored Tetouan bricks and includes a splendid permanent exhibition of the collections of the famous designer as well as a temporary gallery which displays the works of emerging Moroccan artists and designers.

Insider tip: book a visit to the library whose design is characterized by oak panels, where on the upper floor you will find an extraordinary collection of books on Morocco, Berber culture, North African fashion and architecture, botany and landscape of the desert, all part of Pierre Bergé’s private collection.

Search for treasures in the last urban maze

Nowhere else in the world is there a medieval and at the same time modern atmosphere like that of Marrakech. A visit to the Medina allows you to do all this. Dive into the Souq Sebbaghine (Dyers Souk) where the skeins of freshly dyed saffron wool are hung up to dry; o Souq Lebbadine, where visitors gather around wooden and leather stalls. Souq Smata (Slipper Souk) and Souq Semmarine (Leather Souk) are in the center of the action.

Insider tip: follow the flow, enjoy the jokes and never be too proud to bow gracefully. Souk newbies can immerse themselves in the experience of the Souk Cherifa, where young designers sell their products at fixed prices.

Marrakech will be the first Capital of Culture in Africa in 2020

Marrakech will be the first Capital of Culture in Africa in 2020

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco Marrakech

Marrakech one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, has been crowned as the first African Capital of Culture 2020. The nomination was awarded to the red city because of its architectural, artistic and cultural legacy. Marrakesh is already home to two Unesco-listed World Heritage sites: the famous square of Djemaa El Fna and its labyrinthine medina, the walled old city.

Marrakesh is increasingly on travellers’ radars, as the government has been doing more to improve infrastructure throughout the country, including revamping a number of medinas. The number of foreign tourists rose about 15% from 2017 to 2018, and Morocco is growing in popularity with travellers from the US.

The 2017 opening of Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the eponymous French fashion designer who called Marrakesh home for a number of years, solidified Marrakesh’s place as a hub for art and design.

The program of events for 2020 has not yet been defined. The cultural world of Morocco is in turmoil: the crown of African cultural queen will be an impulse to increase the popularity of a city that can enchant and amaze like few others.

The program of events for 2020 has not yet been defined.

Moroccan artists and journalists are in turmoil: being the cultural capital of Africa will increase the popularity of a city able to enchant and amaze like few others.

RAMADAM KAREEM

RAMADAM KAREEM

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco

Ramadan corresponds to the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and its frequency varies from year to year as the calendar is based on the phases of the moon. And it is the month dedicated to “fasting” (sawan), one of the five pillars of Islam

This year, in Morocco, Ramadan starts on May 5th and ends on June 4th

It is a very significant moment: from dawn to sunset all adult Muslims are required to observe abstinence (or fasting) from food, drink, tobacco, sexual activities to focus on their spiritual renewal.

And life transforms and runs in “slow motion”, since fasting is not easy for anyone to bear …

At sunset, after the fourth prayer of the day, we all gather for the iftar, the meal that is consumed to break the fast and which consists of dates, vegetable soup (harira), and chebakia (typical sweets), milk and water at will.

Public services and often even shops apply a reduced time to adapt to these new habits

And the evening becomes the most lively and folkloric moment of the day, when the streets are filled with life, lights, music and sweet temptations at every corner. After an iftar with dates and other tasty foods, people of all ages indulge in some sweet comfort and often party until late.

No foreigners of other religions are required to observe fasting (on the other hand even Muslims on the go are not obliged to do so), but it is good to avoid, out of respect and solidarity, to eat and drink in public in front of other people who practice ‘abstinence.

And it is important to respect the moment of Islamic prayer and of the “breaking of the fast” and to be understanding when guides and drivers, waiters or shopkeepers are absent from their jobs …

This is a particular condition that could cause minor inconvenience to the traveler but can be just as interesting from a sociological point of view. It could also happen, if you enter in particular friendships with a local person who will offer sweets or invite you to a family party. And accepting the invitation honors his home and the spirit of Ramadan, as well as living a new and different experience.

The festival that marks the end of Ramadan is the Eid – in the Fitr and is the second most important festival of the Muslim religion.

The agenda of international Itinerary of Pope Francesco in 2019 is enriched by a new stage: Morocco

The agenda of international Itinerary of Pope Francesco in 2019 is enriched by a new stage: Morocco

by Alessandro Furlotti Marocco

On 30 and 31 March,  Pope Francesco visited the city of Rabat, where the Apostolic Nunciature has been located since 1976. This is the second time of a Pontiff in Morocco, after 33 years of John Paul II’s journey in August 1985, at the invitation of the then King Hassan II, with whom he had held in December two years earlier (1983) an exchange of letters on the legal situation of the Catholic Church in Morocco. It is also the second time for a visit by Jorge Mario  Bergoglio to a predominantly North African country, after the one in Egypt in April 2017, the result of the “thaw” between the Vatican and the prestigious Sunni Al-Azhar university. the March 2019 trip – not linked, therefore, to a specific event – therefore represents a new opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between the Catholic Church and Islam and to encourage the small Catholic community: just over 27 thousand faithful, according to statistics, on a population of 34 million inhabitants (about 0.08%). The only stop in Rabat is the royal residence of King Mohammed VI. With the occasion, we want to deepen the peculiarity of Rabat, the amber capital, as a stage of the countless tours that our valid TRANSATOUR correspondent includes in every fascinating tour proposal.

Capital of Morocco,Rabat is considered the symbol of the Country’s immortality. Embraced by miles of amber-colored walls scented with pink and orange hibiscus, the city – elegant and refined – mixes history and modernity. The genesis of the name is linked to the construction in 1150 by the sultan Abd al-Mumin of the fortress on the top of the cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a mosque and residence which in Arabic is called Ribat. Home to the Royal Palace of His Majesty Mohammed VI, which houses the Government of Morocco, Rabat also has the largest university in the country and is full of shops, cinemas, theaters and bookstores. Try to be in Rabat on Thursday and enter the Rue des Consuls where the characteristic and folkloristic carpet auction is held and where you can buy splendid local handicrafts. Then book a visit to the Caffè Maure, a delicious local inside a kashba, to sip between the benches and the blue tables overlooking the sea the typical mint tea and the typical Moroccan sweets made with honey and almonds.

Click to see a nice video on YouTube about the trip of Pope Francesco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AxZefaecx8.

Meknès in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2019 according to Lonely Planet

Meknès in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2019 according to Lonely Planet

by Alessandro Furlotti Lonely Planet Marocco Meknes

The famous tourist guide Lonely Planet has just published the ranking of the ten cities to visit in 2019, and the imperial city of Meknès is in 10th place.

The warrior sultan who in 1672 moved the capital of Morocco to Meknès would turn in his grave if he knew that today the city receives few visitors compared to Fès and Marrakech. Moulay Ismail sacked the palaces of Marrakech and the Roman ruins of Volubilis to obtain the stone and the marble with which to build the massive fortifications that still enclose the city, the underground warehouses for food supplies and a magnificent bab (door) to even eclipse the Blue Door of Fès. In the heart of the city, the elaborate mausoleum of Ismail is a national treasure, released in 2018 by a two-year restoration, which offers travelers one more reason to visit this underrated city.